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Originally Posted by red-beard
The cost of the materials used is significantly less today than when the Apollo program was operating. We have Carbon Fibre and Titanium bicycles for god's sake.
The "ZON" approach is the correct way. Smaller rockets, lift to orbit, assemble in orbit (these things can connect themselves with human help only for problems). Fueling done the same way.
The real objection I see is the same objection that people like Walter Mondale had to the program. Many people in this country think we should spend the money on them instead of Space Program. We should feed homeless, pay for Medical care, etc, instead of exploring space.
Really, it comes back to the "Give a Fish" vs. "Teach to Fish" issue. Our government shouldn't be in the "Give a fish" camp.
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The space program has the potential to lead to new technology developments that benefit US businesses and consumers. It's also a jobs program in that it employs many in both government and private industry. It just isn't a direct handout to people, so, it does take more restraint than just (printing and) giving away money to the masses.